PhD student Lizzy Crist was awarded a 2021-22 Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship, which supports outstanding University of Minnesota PhD students who are engaged in interdisciplinary research.

Lizzy is developing a 3D microfluidic device that models breast cancer metastasis, the process of cancer cells spreading throughout a patient’s body. A highly tunable in vitro platform would allow researchers to investigate the role of the tumor microenvironment’s components in promoting metastasis and identify new therapeutic targets to inhibit metastatic spreading. 

The competitive award includes a stipend of $25,000 for the academic year, tuition for up to 14 graduate credits each semester, and subsidized health insurance through the Graduate Assistant Health Plan.

Crist’s work will be carried out under the direction of her advisor, BME Professor David Wood, PhD, in collaboration with Kaylee Schwertfeger, PhD, Associate Professor with the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. The Masonic Cancer Center will be her host institution, which is directed by Douglas Yee, MD.